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Lung Cancer

Screening and Tests for Lung Cancer

Since many of the symptoms of cancer are also symptoms of other conditions, screening and tests for lung cancer are the only way to determine the cause of patient’s pain. Doctors at Florida Hospital review a patient’s symptoms, overall heath and risk factors as the first step to diagnosis.

Then, the doctor may recommend one or a combination of screening and tests for lung cancer. These tests help detect and visualize cancer cells and tumors in the lungs. If cancer is found, the doctor may recommend other tests to diagnose the type, location and severity of the cancer.

These are the screening and tests that may be used to detect and stage lung cancer:

Chest X-ray

CT or CAT Scan

Sputum cytology (view mucus cells under a microscope)

Thoracentesis (test fluid from the chest wall for cancer cells)

Needle biopsy (same of mass is taken and evaluated for cancer)

Bronchoscopy (view/examine bronchi using a flexible tube instrument)

Endobronchial ultrasound

Mediastinoscopy (tissue samples from lymph nodes are examined)

Thoracoscopy (small incision and instrument used to see inside the chest)